Thurman Thomas appears in CJP via video link from the Hudson County jail on robbery charges today. He shared laugh with judge over the fact that he has the same name of the former Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas. Lauren Casselberry/The Jersey Journal

A 49-year-old Jersey City man who finished his fifth prison term in September was arrested Tuesday on charges he robbed a man of $5, officials said.

Because Thurman Thomas has two prior convictions for robbery, he could face a prison term of up to 20 years if convicted.

His bail was set at $50,000 cash only when he appeared in Central Judicial Processing court in Jersey City today.

The 30-year-old victim told police that when he got off a bus at Danforth and West Side avenues at 10:17 p.m. Tuesday a man asked him for money and he said he had none, the police report says. The robber then demanded money and threatened to punch the victim, saying "he didn't mind doing another 15 years in jail," the report says.

That's when a police car came into view, but the victim was unable to flag it down because the robber immediately told the victim to hug him, the report says. According to the victim, the robber then said, "OK, give me what you got," and the victim said he handed over about $5 before the robber ran away, the report says.

The victim called police, a description was broadcast and Thomas was stopped at McAdoo Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard, the report says, adding the victim identified him as the robber.

Thomas also has convictions for burglary, theft and two counts of drug possession, a court official said when he appeared via video link from Hudson County jail in Kearny.

When Thomas' case was called today, the judge noted he has the same name as the former Buffalo Bills running back. After entering the jail's video conferencing room, Thomas said, "I heard that." He and the judge laughed.

After the bail was set, Thomas murmured, "Oh man," as he left the room.